The Holdout by Graham Moore

The HoldoutThe Holdout by Graham Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thinking about what I would write as a review for this book, I went back to look at some other reviews. This was one of those books that I immediately knew I wanted to read as soon as a I saw the premise of the book and I didn't read a lot of reviews before hand because I was afraid of tripping over any spoilers.

After I finished reading it, I have to say I was surprised to see it was under 4 stars on Goodreads, so I went back to read some of the reviews and I guess I can see what some people perceive as flaws.

I am a former practicing attorney, went to law school, watched all the legal thrillers growing up, have read every Grisham novel and most other mainstream (and some not-so-mainstream) legal thrillers over the span of my life beginning in my early teens. I love these sort of books. I love the procedural stuff. I love the nitty-gritty lawyer battle stuff. So it is no surprise that I loved this one.

Does it get a little far-fetched in some parts? Sure. But that doesn't mean it isn't a fun ride. I liked the way we were introduced to each of the jurors throughout the book, getting a little insight into the background of what was happening during the trial 10 years ago and what was happening current day.

My significant other is not a reader of books, but I was so wrapped into this one I gave him play-by-plays throughout (about every 75 pages or so) and even he was intrigued and was dying to know how it all ended.

If you like legal thrillers, if you are a fan of the classic movie 12 Angry Men, if you thrive off a good mystery... just go ahead and pick this one up. It's a fun ride. I wanted to slow down my reading of it because I didn't want it to be over too quickly but also... I really wanted to know the ending! I could have definitely read it in one sitting but I did manage to stretch it out over two days.

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